Samsung vs. Frigidaire Induction Ranges (Reviews/Ratings/Prices)

So, you’re replacing your existing freestanding range. If you have electric with no ability to connect to gas, you may think you’re options are limited.

You would be wrong.

Today’s freestanding ranges not only come with an option for gas or electric, but also induction.

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Slide-in vs. Freestanding Ranges

A freestanding range is one that has a backguard that rises up with the electronic controls on it. Standard size is 30” width, and there would be no overlap of the counters.

This would be in contrast to slide-in ranges where the controls are on the front and sometimes will overlap the counters. Slide-in ranges will also be more expensive than their freestanding counterpart. 

Induction Cooking

Induction is truly incredible for those of us that are used to electric cooking and how slow it can be.

Unlike a traditional electric cook top where the entire element heats up, induction uses magnets and electricity to transfer heat from the cooking surface directly to the pan. The pan, not the glass top, cooks the food.

Watch: The Basics of Induction Cooking

Induction is the most efficient cooking method at 90% efficiency, and because of this it will be the fastest and most precise cooking method on the market.

Also important to note when considering induction is that you will need induction compatible cookware (if a magnet sticks to the bottom is an easy way to tell), and enhanced electrical requirements. Some induction ranges could require up to a 50 amp circuit.

Samsung

Samsung is a huge Korean company focused primarily in electronics, and they have been in business for over 70 years. They are established market leaders in televisions and wireless devices to name a few.

Being a technology company first and foremost, Samsung is known for their innovations in appliances. Their largest segments are laundry and refrigeration.

Let’s take a look at their freestanding induction range:

Samsung NE597N0PBSR -- $1,999

• Four Induction Elements (Flex CookZone, 11" and 7")
• True Convection Oven (3-Fan)
• Large Oven Capacity – 5.9 cu. ft.
• SteamQuick™ (20 min. Oven Cleaning) and Self Clean
• Boil Alert
• 2 Chrome Oven Racks plus 1 Split Rack

Frigidaire

Frigidaire is an American-made brand that has been around since the early 1900’s. They were the first company to create a self-contained refrigerator in 1916, are still best known for their refrigeration.

In 1997, Electrolux acquired Frigidaire and they are also in the process of acquiring GE Appliances, which would make them the largest appliance company in the world.

Let’s take a look at the Frigidaire freestanding induction range:

Frigidaire FGIF3061NF -- $1,599

• 5.4 cu. ft. oven capacity
• Quick Preheat -- Preheat in just a few minutes.
• True Convection
• Smudge-Proof Stainless Steel
• Temperature Probe with Auto Keep Warm
• Keep Warm Zone

Samsung vs. Frigidaire Induction Range Comparison

Options

I really like the flexibility that the Samsung range offers. Their Flex CookZone gives you the ability to use an oversized pan such as a griddle which is great for pancakes, eggs, grilled cheese (those of us with young children know how often we are making these). They will also give you a boost option. This allows you to borrow power from an adjacent burner, which is great for bringing a pot of water to boil quickly or when searing meat. 

The Frigidaire range which is part of its Gallery series also features Smudge-Proof Stainless Steel. This will show less fingerprints than most stainless steel brands. One thing to note however is that if you are not doing a full kitchen in this Gallery series the stainless WILL NOT match other brands. 

Oven

Also within the oven itself, one of the ovens in the Samsung is a split rack. This will allow you to remove half of the rack. Iif you have a larger item on a lower such as a turkey it will be able to fit without having to adjust the entire upper rack.

The Keep Warm burner on the cooktop can transfer a small amount of heat to a pan,and it will stay warm in its natural state without continuing to cook. This is a great feature when cooking multiple dishes that finish at separate times.  

Reliability

Frigidaire is known as one of our most reliable brands. In 2014 based on our Yale service records, the entire Frigidaire line had a service rate of 9.19% within the first year. The Gallery series was slightly higher at 13.25%. The industry average for appliances is closer to 20- 25% within the first year.

Samsung on the other hand, although not necessarily an unreliable brand does not have quite the same support as Frigidaire. Samsung does not have as much local parts distribution, and because of this can often be 3-4 weeks waiting for a part should something go wrong. We have 23 techs on the road and actively stock what we sell, so it is less of a problem for us. 

Which One Should You Choose?

It really depends.

Samsung has some really amazing features especially under $2,000.

Frigidaire is less expensive with the smudge proof stainless steel and is a bit better with service issues.

Additional Resources

Want to learn more about induction? Download the Yale Induction Cooking Buying Guide with features, specs and inside tips to all the brands. Well over 120,000 people have read a Yale Guide.